Question

What are the rules associated with flag protocol/etiquette?

Answer

In accordance with Chapter 4 of 'CFP 200 – The Heritage Structure of the Canadian Forces', flags, less consecrated Colours, shall always be flown in order of precedence for Canadian flags, that is; the National Flag; the Canadian Forces (CF) Ensign; command flags; field formation flags; branch flags and unit flags.

Other precedence rules are given for flags on vessels, in Chapter 4, Section 3; for personal and distinguishing flags/pennants, in Chapter 14; and for CF flags in the same class (e.g., branch flags) flown together, in Chapter 1.

Flag protocol dictates that the senior and junior positions for flags flown in order of precedence be as illustrated in Figure 4-2-1. The protocol on land visualizes flags as if they are being carried by individuals and being approached from the front, with the flag-bearer’s right taking precedence over the left, thus:

When two, or more than three,
flags are flown together, the senior flag (the National Flag, if one of the
group) shall be displayed on the right, that is, on the left side as seen by a
spectator facing the dais, rostrum, saluting base, building, etc., from the
front.

When three flags are flown
together, the senior flag shall occupy the central position, with the next
ranking flag on its right and the third ranking flag on its left, that is, on
the left and right as seen by a spectator facing the flags from the front.